In 1908 the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart made their way west from Illinois to Santa Barbara to operate the St. Francis Hospital. Their mission was to provide quality medical care, with special emphasis on those people most in need.

Saint Francis Medical Center of Santa Barbara, 1908-2003

In 1956 a group of prominent local businessmen, with a deep desire to help St. Francis Hospital, formed the St. Francis Hospital Foundation. Their goal was to ensure that the hospital continued providing excellent medical care and the funds raised be used locally.

Although St. Francis Medical Center closed it’s doors permanently in 2003, the St. Francis Foundation continues in our community in the spirit of the Franciscan Sisters, to promote and support healthcare in the St. Francis tradition in the Santa Barbara area.

The majority of our funds support the Parish Nursing and Liberty Programs, which began at St. Francis Medical Center and have been managed through Cottage Health System since St. Francis closed.  Nurses work in local churches of many faiths, Transition House, Villa Caridad (the new St. Vincent’s housing development), Casa Esperanza, and many other local service agencies. The Liberty Program removes anti-social or gang tattoos from individuals who perform community service for each treatment in an effort to make significant positive changes in their lives.

In addition, the Foundation also funds nursing scholarships at Santa Barbara City College through an endowment established by the wonderful volunteers of St. Francis Medical Center. Other grants awarded have provided services to assist seniors to stay in their homes; Doctors Without Walls and the Santa Barbara Street Medicine programs; an outreach van for Casa Esperanza, as well as fund the salary of night health care staff at the shelter; a palliative care nurse position at Cottage; charity care for dental and medical care through the St. Cecelia Society, and many other organizations.